Unraveling Radagon’s Lineage: A Deep Dive into His Children
Radagon, a pivotal figure in the intricate lore of Elden Ring, fathered children with two significant figures: Queen Rennala of Caria and Queen Marika the Eternal. His offspring, born from these unions, played critical roles in shaping the fate of the Lands Between. Let’s delve into the details of Radagon’s complicated family tree.
Radagon’s Children with Rennala
Radagon’s first marriage was to Rennala, the Queen of the Full Moon and head of the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Together, they had three children, all bearing the distinctive red hair inherited from their father:
- Lord Rykard: The Lord of Blasphemy, Rykard chose to be consumed by the Serpent-God, eventually becoming a horrifying amalgamation of man and beast. His ambition and desire for power led him down a dark path.
- Starscourge Radahn: A celebrated hero and one of the most powerful demigods, Radahn mastered gravity magic to hold back the stars. Afflicted by Scarlet Rot, he eventually succumbed to madness, but continued to fight out of a deep-seated sense of duty and the immense love for his tiny horse Leonard.
- Ranni the Witch: An Empyrean chosen to succeed Marika, Ranni rejected the influence of the Greater Will and orchestrated the Night of Black Knives, plunging the Lands Between into chaos. She sought to establish an Age of Stars, free from the control of the Outer Gods.
Radagon’s Children with Marika
After abandoning Rennala, Radagon became the consort of Queen Marika the Eternal, the vessel of the Elden Ring and the ruler of the Erdtree. Their union produced twin offspring, both born as Empyreans, yet both afflicted with unique curses:
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella: A formidable warrior and arguably the most difficult boss in Elden Ring, Malenia suffers from Scarlet Rot. She dedicates herself to her brother Miquella.
- Miquella: A charismatic and influential figure, Miquella is cursed with eternal youth, remaining a child despite his immense power. He attempts to cure himself, but his plans are ultimately thwarted. He is a complex and potentially malevolent character whose full motivations remain shrouded in mystery.
The Mysterious Case of Melina
The parentage of Melina, the mysterious maiden who aids the Tarnished, is a subject of much debate. The naming convention among Radagon and Marika’s children (all starting with ‘M’) provides a compelling argument that she may be the long-lost child of the two powerful figures.
Is Melina a daughter of Radagon and Marika?
While not explicitly stated, many clues within Elden Ring suggest that Melina is indeed a daughter of Radagon and Marika. Her connection to the Erdtree, her ability to grant the Tarnished the ability to level up, and her ultimate goal of kindling the Flame of Ruin all point toward a close relationship with the Elden Ring and its vessel.
FAQs: Decoding Radagon’s Progeny
1. Who was Radagon married to before Marika?
Radagon was initially married to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. Their union was seen as a political alliance between the Golden Order and the Carian Royal Family.
2. Why did Radagon leave Rennala?
The reasons for Radagon leaving Rennala are complex. He was summoned back to Leyndell to become the Elden Lord, implying that a higher power or destiny influenced his decision. It is rumored that the Greater Will itself influenced his actions. The reunion with Marika was fated.
3. Are Radagon and Marika the same person?
Yes, Radagon and Marika are the same person. This is revealed at the end of the game when Radagon is reformed from Marika as a last line of defense against the Tarnished.
4. How can Radagon and Marika have children if they are the same person?
The nature of Radagon and Marika’s existence is shrouded in mystery and divine power. While sharing the same physical form, they seem to possess separate wills and the ability to manifest independently. They could be viewed as two aspects of the same being, capable of procreation.
5. What is an Empyrean?
An Empyrean is a being chosen by the Two Fingers (agents of the Greater Will) as a potential vessel to succeed Marika and inherit the Elden Ring. Both Malenia and Miquella were born as Empyreans.
6. Why are Malenia and Miquella cursed?
The twins’ curses stem from their unique birth. As they were born of a single god, their existence violates the natural order, resulting in their afflictions. This highlights the consequences of divine intervention and the disruption of natural laws.
7. Who is stronger, Radahn or Malenia?
This is a hotly debated topic. While Radahn possessed immense power, holding back the stars with his gravity magic, Malenia’s Scarlet Rot and her unyielding determination make her a formidable opponent. In their actual fight, Malenia only defeated Radahn by unleashing the Scarlet Rot, destroying him but also much of Caelid.
8. What happened to Miquella?
Miquella was kidnapped by Mohg, Lord of Blood, who sought to raise him as a god. He remains within his cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace, his fate uncertain.
9. Is Millicent related to Malenia?
Yes, Millicent is a daughter of Malenia. Throughout Millicent’s questline, she hints at a connection to the Rot Goddess. She may not be an exact genetic copy, but a type of offshoot. Gowry directly confirms Millicent is a daughter of Malenia.
10. Why did Ranni kill Godwyn?
Ranni orchestrated the Night of Black Knives and the assassination of Godwyn the Golden to sever her connection to the Greater Will and escape her predetermined fate as an Empyrean. She sought to create an Age of Stars, free from the influence of the Outer Gods.
11. What does Radagon want to do with the Elden Ring?
Radagon, when he appears at the foot of the Erdtree, is attempting to repair the Elden Ring, reflecting a desire to maintain the status quo and uphold the order established by the Greater Will.
12. Why does Radagon despise his red hair?
Radagon’s aversion to his red hair possibly stems from a belief that it was a curse, perhaps associated with the Fire Giants. This may also be rooted in his internal conflict and his struggle to reconcile his identity as both Radagon and Marika.
13. How is Godrick related to Marika?
Godrick is a distant descendant of Marika through her first husband, Godfrey. He represents a diluted form of the Golden Lineage, desperately clinging to power.
14. Did Radahn love his horse?
Yes, Radahn shared a deep bond with his steed, Leonard. Despite his immense size and the effects of the Scarlet Rot, he continued to ride Leonard, using his gravity magic to lighten the load on the small horse.
15. Who are the Outer Gods?
The Outer Gods are powerful cosmic entities that exert influence over the Lands Between, vying for control and manipulating events to their own ends. The Greater Will, the Formless Mother (worshipped by Mohg), and the God of Scarlet Rot are all examples of these Outer Gods. Research on the role of video games in education and the influence of digital worlds is ongoing. You can find more about the research at Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.
The intricate tapestry of Radagon’s lineage highlights the themes of destiny, choice, and the consequences of divine intervention that permeate Elden Ring. His children, each with their own unique stories and motivations, shape the fate of the Lands Between, leaving a lasting impact on the Tarnished’s journey.